Asaba 2018: Hayatou, Mutola, others expected – Premium Times

Top sports personalities and officials are expected in Asaba, Delta State on Sunday for the 21st African Senior Athletics Championships.

According to a statement issued by Olukayode Thomas, the Head of Media and Publicity for CAA Asaba 2018, Maria Mutola will lead the cast of world sporting figures expected this weekend.

Mutola was a former African and world champion in the 800m and was fondly referred to as ‘Mutola Express’ during her active days on the track.

Also coming in to Asaba on Sunday is the IAAF President, Sebastian Coe, who is expected to come in with 11 other officials of the world athletics governing body.

The other expected sporting legends in Asaba include Nawal El Moutawakel, a former hurdler and Olympic Gold medalist, as well as Kenya’s David Rudisha and Hicham El Guerrouj.

Also, those to be inducted into the CAA Hall of fame will arrive this weekend.

The list has the likes of Tirunesh Dibaba from Ethiopia and her compatriot, Mesert Defar.

Other Ethiopians on the list include Genzebe Dibaba, a world record holder and champion; Almaz Ayana, an Olympics and World champion; and Kenenisa Bekele, a legend in long distance, road races and marathon and world record holder.

The South African duo of Caster Semenya and Wayde van Niekerk, both Olympics and World champions, will also be inducted alongside Nigeria’s Olusoji Fasuba and Blessing Okagbare among others.

In a related development, It has also been confirmed that top football administrators will also be in Asaba to savour the best of African athletics that will be showcased from August 1-5 at the newly completed Stephen Keshi Stadium.

Former Confederation of African Football President, Issa Hayatou, and his wife will be in for the competition.

Hayatou’s successor in CAF, Ahmad Ahmad, is also expected for the CAA Asaba 2018.

Both Hayatou and Ahmad are guests of the Confederation of African Athletics, CAA.

Thomas said all the eminent sporting personalities coming in on Sunday will be around till the end of the competition.